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Drugs runner jailed for 2 years

A cocaine runner who was caught by chance in Stevenage has been jailed for two and a half years.

Ben Wyles, 27 was found with cocaine worth between £10,000 and £15,000 and £1,780 in cash, Luton Crown Court heard on Friday.

Defence barrister, Wayne Cleaver said Wyles was not an addict himself, but a recreational user. However he had got in debt to his supplier and was making the delivery to wipe out what he owed.

Judge Jeffrey Burke QC told Wyles: "This is an example of the dangers of recreational drug use, as it is described, because it brings you into contact with those who deal professionally and who are serious criminals.

"Class A drugs are dangerous. Their use has spread perniciously through the community and more and more people are brought low because of it, as has happened to you."

Wyles, a tiler from Pressland Drive, High Ferrars, Rushden, pleaded guilty to possessing 250 grammes of cocaine with intent to supply and possessing criminal property in the form of cash.

Andrew Lewis, prosecuting said on June 30 this year police stopped a car in Gunnel's Wood Road, Stevenage in which Wyles was a passenger.

He attempted to run away carrying a bag which was found to contain the cocaine. The cash was found in the car.

He said the cocaine could have sold in 1,000 - 1,500 street deals.

Mr. Cleaver, defending said it transpired that police had an ongoing surveillance operation in the area but had no information about Wyles and it was only by chance that he was stopped.

He had collected the drugs and cash from outside Sainsbury's and was due to deliver it elsewhere, he said.

"This experience has been a sharp lesson to him and he now realises the use of cocaine is by no means recreational. It is a criminal activity and he realises where it can lead."